Carried by 50 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
The Western Columbine is also known as the Red or Crimson Columbine because of its attractive red-and-yellow-colored flowers. The blooms are very appealing to hummingbirds. Mature seedheads provide food for finches and other bird species.
This charming wildflower is a member of the buttercup family and grows in moist, shady locations. In the garden, it likes regular water, partial shade, and compost-rich, well-draining soil. It does self-sow, but deadheading will control spreading.
Perennial herb
2 - 3 ft Tall
1 ft Wide
Upright, Fountain
Fast
Winter Deciduous, Evergreen
None
Red, Yellow
Spring
Containers, Deer resistant
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Deep Shade
Low, Moderate
Max 1x / month once established
Easy
Tolerates cold to 0° F
Medium
Woodland soil with organic material and good drainage.
Tolerates serpentine soil..
Soil PH: 4.0 - 8.0
Self-sows readily so deadhead if desired, or allow flowers to go to seed if you want it to spread.
By seed. For propagating by seed: No treatment.
1, 2, 3, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8, 9, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*
Found in a number of settings and habitats including streambanks, seeps, woodland settings, and other moist places. It is often found adjacent to chaparral, forest or woodland habitats.
Chaparral, Lodgepole Forest, Northern Juniper Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian
Trees - Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), Santa Lucia Fir (Abies bracteata), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and many others.
Shrubs and herbs - Meadow Rue (Thalictrum fendleri), Snowdrop Bush (Styrax redivivus), Yellow Monkeyflower (Erythranthe guttata), Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale), and Huckleberry (Vaccinum ovatum).
Butterflies and moths supported
0 confirmed and 5 likely
Orange Tortrix Moth
Argyrotaenia franciscana
Tobacco Budworm Moth
Chloridea virescens
The Small Engrailed
Ectropis crepuscularia
Figwort Stem Borer
Papaipema sauzalitae
Bornstein, C., Fross, D., & O'Brien, B. (2005). California Native Plants for the Garden.